Age UK - Cost of Living Hub
Age UK have produced resources to help people save money on their bills, while still keeping warm. You can access the new Age UK cost of living hub, here.
Royal British Legion – help for veterans & armed forces:
The “Everyday Needs Grants” provide up to £2,400 over 12 months for those eligible. You can read more and apply, here.
Money & Pensions Service MoneyHelper service
The MoneyHelper service, provides free money guidance from an expert in a range of different formats, such as online. webchat, WhatsApp and telephone. If you’re already struggling, or worried things are heading that way, it can feel like there’s no way forward. However, the first step to solving money problems is knowing where to turn. Visit the MoneyHelper website (moneyhelper.org.uk/cost-of-living) and find out all the ways you can get help towards getting control of your money.
Royal Mail Stamp Swap
Following the introduction of a six-month grace period, customers now have until 31st July 2023 to use up their old, non-barcoded stamps. Following this period, the use of such stamps will be liable to a surcharge. After the six-month grace period, customers will still be able to swap their old style stamps for barcoded stamps using Royal Mail’s simple and free ‘Stamp Swap Out’ scheme, which opened on the 31st March 2022. It currently has no end date. Do check your purses, wallets and drawers to use or swap non-barcoded definitive stamps before the July deadline!
Social Tariffs for Phones & Broadband
If you are on certain benefits, including pension credit and universal credit, you may be able to get cheaper broadband or phone connections. More details and links here https://www.michaeltomlinson.org.uk/cheaper-broadband-phones
Supermarket Vouchers for School Holidays
BCP Council can provide a £30 food voucher for families with very young children. To be eligible, children must be 0-5, live in BCP council area and be one of the following:
- receiving early years pupil premium funding for three and four year olds at an early years setting in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole in the spring term
- receiving two year old early education funding at an early years setting in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole in the spring term
- currently have a social worker and/or early help family support worker and of pre-school age.
The deadline for application is 11pm on Wednesday 5h April. Apply here Vouchers
Holiday Activities and Food
If you child gets means-tested free school meals, they can get free activities and food in the holidays. If you live in Dorset Council area you can find out more and apply here: Dorset HAF and in BCP here: BCP HAF
Photo ID for Elections
Quick reminder: If you live in BCP Council area, you have elections coming up. You will need photo ID to vote. If you don’t have that, you apply through the council. More details here https://www.michaeltomlinson.org.uk/voter-id-elections
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